Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

There is provided an image processing apparatus. An obtainment unit obtains a first parameter pertaining to a number of pixels and a second parameter pertaining to image quality aside from the number of pixels. A changing unit instructs the first parameter and the second parameter to be changed. An image processing unit generates a first image by carrying out image processing on an original image in accordance with the changed first parameter and the changed second parameter, and generates a second image in accordance with the changed first parameter and the second parameter before the change. A display control unit displays the first and second images. A recording control unit carries out control such that an image generated by carrying out the image processing on the original image in accordance with the changed first parameter and the changed second parameter is recorded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an imageprocessing method, and a storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

In recent image capturing apparatuses such as digital cameras, more andmore models have functions for recording images output from the imagesensor into a recording medium directly as RAW images, on which imageprocessing has not been performed. A RAW image can be displayed as, forexample, a full-color image by performing a process called “developing”.The process of developing a RAW image is typically carried outnon-destructively using an external image processing apparatus or animage processing function provided in the image capturing apparatus.Some image capturing apparatuses can record RAW images along withcorresponding developed images such as JPEG images. In such a case, aJPEG image is generated by carrying out a developing process on the RAWimage when the image is captured, and developing parameters used in thedeveloping process are recorded in a RAW image file along with the RAWimage. By carrying out the developing process having adjusted the imagequality by specifying desired developing parameters as post-processingfor the RAW image recorded in this manner, a user can obtain a developedimage from the RAW image that better meets his/her preferences.

In the case where the user uses the image capturing apparatus to adjustthe image quality of the RAW image, such as adjusting the brightness oradjusting the contrast, the user selects the developing parameters andadjusts the values thereof. For example, the user sets the brightness to±0 and the contrast to +2. The image capturing apparatus then developsthe RAW image on the basis of the adjusted developing parameters. In thecase where the RAW image has a high number of pixels, and the imagecapturing apparatus develops the RAW image each time the user adjuststhe image quality, each instance of processing takes a long time. Inresponse to this, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-251166 discloses atechnique in which when the display magnification is less than theactual size, pixels are extracted from a RAW image at a ratio that islower the lower the display magnification is. The developing process isthen carried out on the extracted pixels and the resulting image isdisplayed as a preview. This makes it possible to reduce the amount oftime needed to confirm the result of adjusting the image quality.

Adjusting the image quality of a RAW image can involve changing bothparameters for color processing such as white balance, and parameterspertaining to the image size such as those used in a resizing process (apixel number changing process). In such a case, even if the usercompares the developed images corresponding to the pre- and post-changeparameters, it is difficult to judge whether the change in the imagequality between before and after the parameters were changed wasproduced by the change in the color processing parameters or the changein the image size parameters. This is because the process for reducingthe number of pixels for the resizing sometimes involves processing thatmay change colors (for example, a process that determines the color of aspecific pixel in the resized image on the basis of the colors of aplurality of pixels in the pre-resizing image).

The user may wish to confirm the effects of changing the colorprocessing parameters on the image quality, for example. However,because changes to the image size parameters also affect the imagequality, it is difficult to confirm the effect of adjusting the colorprocessing parameters on the image quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Having been achieved in light of such circumstances, the presentinvention makes it easier, in the case where image processing is carriedout while adjusting a plurality of image processing parameters, for auser to confirm the effect on the image quality caused by adjusting someof the image processing parameters.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedan image processing apparatus comprising: an obtainment unit configuredto obtain, as parameters pertaining to image processing, a firstparameter pertaining to a number of pixels and a second parameterpertaining to image quality aside from the number of pixels; a changingunit configured to instruct the first parameter and the second parameterto be changed; an image processing unit configured to generate a firstimage by carrying out the image processing on an original image inaccordance with the first parameter changed in response to aninstruction from the changing unit and the second parameter changed inresponse to an instruction from the changing unit, and generate a secondimage by carrying out the image processing on the original image inaccordance with the first parameter changed in response to aninstruction from the changing unit and the second parameter before beingchanged in response to an instruction from the changing unit; a displaycontrol unit configured to carry out control such that the first imageand the second image are displayed; and a recording control unitconfigured to, in response to a user instruction to save an image towhich a change is applied, carry out control such that an imagegenerated by the image processing unit carrying out the image processingon the original image in accordance with the changed first parameter andthe changed second parameter is recorded into a recording unit as animage file.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is providedan image processing method comprising: obtaining, as parameterspertaining to image processing, a first parameter pertaining to a numberof pixels and a second parameter pertaining to image quality aside fromthe number of pixels; instructing the first parameter and the secondparameter to be changed; generating a first image by carrying out theimage processing on an original image in accordance with the firstparameter changed in response to the instructing and the secondparameter changed in response to the instructing, and generating asecond image by carrying out the image processing on the original imagein accordance with the first parameter changed in response to theinstructing and the second parameter before being changed in response tothe instructing; carrying out control such that the first image and thesecond image are displayed; and in response to a user instruction tosave an image to which a change is applied, carrying out control suchthat an image generated by carrying out the image processing on theoriginal image in accordance with the changed first parameter and thechanged second parameter is recorded into a recording unit as an imagefile.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda non-transitory computer-readable storage medium which stores a programfor causing a computer to execute an image processing method comprising:obtaining, as parameters pertaining to image processing, a firstparameter pertaining to a number of pixels and a second parameterpertaining to image quality aside from the number of pixels; instructingthe first parameter and the second parameter to be changed; generating afirst image by carrying out the image processing on an original image inaccordance with the first parameter changed in response to theinstructing and the second parameter changed in response to theinstructing, and generating a second image by carrying out the imageprocessing on the original image in accordance with the first parameterchanged in response to the instructing and the second parameter beforebeing changed in response to the instructing; carrying out control suchthat the first image and the second image are displayed; and in responseto a user instruction to save an image to which a change is applied,carrying out control such that an image generated by carrying out theimage processing on the original image in accordance with the changedfirst parameter and the changed second parameter is recorded into arecording unit as an image file.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to theattached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera 100.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configurationof the digital camera 100.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a RAW developing process.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating a parameter changing process(step S308).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a comparison process (step S417).

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of aparameter adjustment screen (before changing parameters).

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of theparameter adjustment screen (after changing the WB).

FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of theparameter adjustment screen (after changing the WB and the number ofrecorded pixels).

FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of apost-parameter change image in a comparison screen.

FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of apre-parameter change image in the comparison screen.

FIG. 6F is a diagram illustrating an example of the display enlargedfrom the state illustrated in FIG. 6D.

FIG. 6G is a diagram illustrating an example of the display in the casewhere a switching operation has been made from the state illustrated inFIG. 6F.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating effects of changing a WBsetting value and the number of recorded pixels on the image quality.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating examples of the display ofparameter icons.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that thetechnical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, andis not limited by any of the embodiments described below. In addition,not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments arenecessarily required for realizing the present invention.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera 100 serving as an exampleof an image processing apparatus. In FIG. 1, a display unit 28 is adisplay unit that displays images, various types of information, and soon. A shutter button 61 is an operation unit for making an image captureinstruction. A mode change switch 60 is an operation unit for switchingamong various types of modes. A connector 112 is a connector thatconnects the digital camera 100 to a connection cable 111 for connectingto an external device such as a personal computer or a printer. Anoperation unit 70 is an operation unit constituted of operating memberssuch as various types of switches, buttons, a touch panel, and so onthat accept various types of operations from a user. A controller wheel73 is an operating member, included in the operation unit 70, that canbe rotationally manipulated. A power switch 72 is a pushbutton forswitching the power on and off. A recording medium 200 is a recordingmedium such as a memory card, a hard disk, or the like. A recordingmedium slot 201 is a slot for holding the recording medium 200. Therecording medium 200 held in the recording medium slot 201 cancommunicate with the digital camera 100, which makes recording andplayback possible. A cover 202 is a cover for the recording medium slot201. FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which the cover 202 is open and therecording medium 200 is partially removed and exposed from the recordingmedium slot 201.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configurationof the digital camera 100. In FIG. 2, an image capturing lens 103corresponds to a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. Ashutter 101 is a shutter having an aperture function. An image capturingunit 22 is an image sensor constituted of a CCD, a CMOS sensor, or thelike that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. An A/Dconverter 23 converts analog signals into digital signals. The A/Dconverter 23 is used to convert analog signals output from the imagecapturing unit 22 into digital signals. A barrier 102 prevents an imagecapturing system of the digital camera 100 including the image capturinglens 103, the shutter 101, and the image capturing unit 22 from beingsoiled or damaged by covering the image capturing system including theimage capturing lens 103.

An image processing unit 24 carries out predetermined pixelinterpolation, resizing processing such as reduction, color conversionprocessing, and the like on data from the A/D converter 23 or data froma memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performspredetermined computational processing using captured image data, and asystem control unit 50 performs exposure control and focus control onthe basis of results obtained from these computations. A TTL(through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) process, an AE (automatic exposure)process, and an EF (flash pre-emission) process are carried out as aresult. The image processing unit 24 also performs predeterminedcomputational processing using the captured image data, performing a TTLAWB (auto white balance) process on the basis of the results obtainedfrom the computations.

Data output from the A/D converter 23 is written into a memory 32through the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15, orthrough the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores the image dataobtained by the image capturing unit 22 and converted into digital databy the A/D converter 23, image data for display in the display unit 28,and the like. The memory 32 is provided with a storage capacitysufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, apredetermined time's worth of moving images and audio, and so on. Thememory 32 also functions as an image display memory (a video memory).

A D/A converter 13 converts data for image display, stored in the memory32, into an analog signal and supplies the analog signal to the displayunit 28. Image data for display written into the memory 32 thus isdisplayed by the display unit 28 via the D/A converter 13 in thismanner. The display unit 28 carries out a display in the display device,which is an LCD or the like, based on the analog signal from the D/Aconverter 13. By using the D/A converter 13 to convert the digitalsignals A/D converted by the A/D converter 23 and stored in the memory32 into analog signals and then sequentially transferring and displayingthose signals in the display unit 28, the display unit 28 functions asan electronic viewfinder (EVF). A through-the-lens image display (liveview display) can be carried out as a result.

A non-volatile memory 56 is a memory serving as a recording medium thatcan be recorded to and erased electrically, and is constituted of anEEPROM, for example. Operational constants, programs, and so on of thesystem control unit 50 are stored in the non-volatile memory 56. Here,“programs” refers to computer programs for executing the variousflowcharts according to the present embodiment, which will be describedlater.

The system control unit 50 is a control unit having at least oneprocessor, and controls the digital camera 100 as a whole. The systemcontrol unit 50 realizes the processes according to the presentembodiment, mentioned later, by executing programs recorded in thenon-volatile memory 56 mentioned above. RAM is used for a system memory52. Operational constants and variables of the system control unit 50,programs read out from the non-volatile memory 56, and so on are loadedinto the system memory 52. The system control unit 50 also carries outdisplay control by controlling the memory 32, the D/A converter 13, thedisplay unit 28, and so on.

A system timer 53 is a timer unit that measures times used in varioustypes of control, measures the time of an internal clock, and so on. Themode change switch 60, the shutter button 61, and the operation unit 70are operation units for inputting various types of operationinstructions (user instructions) to the system control unit 50. The modechange switch 60 switches an operating mode of the system control unit50 among a still image recording mode, a moving image capturing mode, aplayback mode, and so on. An auto capturing mode, an auto scene judgmentmode, a manual mode, an aperture priority mode (Av mode), and a shutterspeed priority mode (Tv mode) are examples of modes included in thestill image recording mode. There are also various scene modes servingas image capturing settings for different image capturing scenes, aprogram AE mode, a custom mode, and so on. Any one of these modes can bedirectly switched to using the mode change switch 60. Alternatively, themode change switch 60 may be used to switch to a screen displaying alist of the image capturing modes, after which one of the displayedmodes is selected and then switched to using another operating member.Likewise, the moving image capturing mode may also include a pluralityof modes.

A first shutter switch 62 switches on partway through the manipulationof the shutter button 61 provided in the digital camera 100, or in otherwords, when the button is depressed halfway (an image capturingpreparation instruction), and produces a first shutter switch signalSW1. The system control unit 50 starts operations such as AF (autofocus)processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance)processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing in response to thefirst shutter switch signal SW1.

A second shutter switch 64 turns on when the shutter button 61 iscompletely manipulated, or in other words, is fully depressed (an imagecapture instruction), and produces a second shutter switch signal SW2.The system control unit 50 starts a series of image capturing processes,from reading out signals from the image capturing unit 22 to writing animage into the recording medium 200, in response to the second shutterswitch signal SW2.

The following processes are carried out in the image capturing processesstarted in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2. First,exposure is carried out according to a set exposure time, and the imagecapturing unit 22 captures an image. A signal of the image captured bythe image capturing unit 22 is converted into a digital signal by theA/D converter 23, and is stored in the memory 32 as a RAW image. Usingthe image processing unit 24, the system control unit 50 carries out adeveloping process (an image capturing developing process), including afiltering process, a color adjustment process based on information suchas white balance and autofocus, and so on, on the RAW image stored inthe memory 32. The developed image (YUV data) obtained from thedeveloping process performed by the image processing unit 24 is onceagain stored in the memory 32, and the image processing unit 24 thencarries out JPEG compression to generate a JPEG image. As an imagecapturing setting, there is a setting for storing both a RAW image and aJPEG image (RAW+JPEG). In the case where this setting is used, thesystem control unit 50 records the RAW image stored in the memory 32 asa RAW image file and the generated JPEG image as a JPEG file in therecording medium 200. However, in the case where a setting for storingonly a JPEG image is used as the image capturing setting, the systemcontrol unit 50 records the generated JPEG image in the recording medium200 as a JPEG file, without recording the RAW image stored in the memory32. Likewise, in the case where a setting for storing only a RAW imageis used as the image capturing setting, the system control unit 50records the RAW image stored in the memory 32 as a RAW image file in therecording medium 200. Developing parameters used in the image capturingdeveloping process (called simply “parameters” hereinafter), IDinformation of the digital camera that captured the image, settinginformation of the digital camera that captured the image, and so on arestored as attribute information in the RAW image file. Additionally, thegenerated JPEG image is recorded in the RAW image file in order to makeit easy to confirm the RAW image. The JPEG image recorded in the RAWimage file in order to make it easy to confirm the RAW image will bereferred to as a “display JPEG”.

Functions relevant for different situations are assigned to theoperating members in the operation unit 70, which then act as varioustypes of function buttons, by making an operation for selecting varioustypes of function icons displayed in the display unit 28. An end button,a return button, a next image button, a jump button, a sort button, anattribute change button, and so on are examples of the function buttons.For example, a menu screen in which various types of settings can bemade is displayed in the display unit 28 when a menu button is pressed.A user can make various types of settings intuitively using the menuscreen displayed in the display unit 28, four (up, down, left, andright) directional buttons, a SET button, and so on. Note that thedigital camera 100 may include a touch panel capable of detecting touchoperations made on the display unit 28 (a touch-based operating member)as part of the operation unit 70. The controller wheel 73 is anoperating member, included in the operation unit 70, that can berotationally manipulated, and is used along with the directional buttonswhen specifying items to be selected and so on.

A power control unit 80 is constituted of a battery detection circuit, aDC-DC converter, switch circuits for switching the blocks through whichpower passes, and so on, and detects whether or not a battery isconnected, the type of the battery, the remaining battery power, and soon. The power control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based onthe detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50,and supplies a necessary voltage for a necessary period to the variousunits, including the recording medium 200.

A power source unit 30 is a primary battery such as an alkali battery, alithium battery, or the like, a secondary battery such as a NiCdbattery, a NiMH battery, a Li battery, or the like, an AC adapter, andso on. A recording medium I/F 18 is an interface for the recordingmedium 200 such as a memory card, a hard disk, or the like. Therecording medium 200 is a recording medium for recording capturedimages, such as a memory card, and is constituted of a semiconductormemory, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or the like.

A communication unit 54 connects to an external device wirelessly orover a hard-wire cable, and sends and receives video signals, audiosignals, and the like. The communication unit 54 is also capable ofconnecting to a wireless local area network (LAN), the Internet, and soon. The communication unit 54 is capable of sending images captured bythe image capturing unit 22 (including a through-the-lens image), imagesrecorded in the recording medium 200, and so on, and can also receiveimages, other various types of information, and so on from an externaldevice.

An attitude detecting unit 55 detects an attitude of the digital camera100 relative to the direction of gravity. On the basis of the attitudedetected by the attitude detecting unit 55, the system control unit 50can determine whether an image captured by the image capturing unit 22is an image captured when the digital camera 100 is orientedhorizontally or an image captured when the digital camera 100 isoriented vertically. The system control unit 50 can attach orientationinformation, based on the attitude detected by the attitude detectingunit 55, to the image file of the image captured by the image capturingunit 22, record the image having rotated the image on the basis of theattitude, and so on. An accelerometer, a gyrosensor, or the like can beused as the attitude detecting unit 55.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a RAW developing process carried outby the digital camera 100. This process starts when the digital camera100 is started up, the menu screen is displayed, and a “RAW developing”menu item is selected from a list of displayed menu items. Thisprocessing is realized by the system control unit 50 loading a programrecorded in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 andexecuting that program.

In step S301, the system control unit 50 accepts an image selection fromthe user. Specifically, the system control unit 50 displays a RAW imagefrom among the images recorded in the recording medium 200. Here,“displaying a RAW image” means displaying the display JPEG recorded inthe RAW image file. However, in the case of a RAW image file that doesnot have a display JPEG, the system control unit 50 may instead displaythe RAW image by carrying out a developing process according to thesettings from when the image was captured (that is, the parametersrecorded in the RAW image file). Alternatively, the system control unit50 may display the RAW image by carrying out a developing processaccording to predetermined parameters recorded in the non-volatilememory 56 of the digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 thenaccepts an operation from the user for selecting the image. Whendisplaying the RAW image, one image may be displayed (a single display),or a list of a plurality of RAW images may be displayed (a multipledisplay). The digital camera 100 may be configured to switch between thesingle display and the multiple display in response to user operation.In the case of the single display, the user selects the desired RAWimage by using the left and right directional keys of the fourdirectional keys included in the operation unit 70 to move forward andbackward through the images. In the case of the multiple display, theuser selects the desired image by using the four directional keysincluded in the operation unit 70 to move an image selection cursor.When the SET button included in the operation unit 70 is pressed whilethe desired image is selected, the system control unit 50 displays adeveloping method selection screen. Three options, namely “develop usingimage capturing settings”, “develop using custom settings”, and“cancel”, are displayed in the developing method selection screen. Theuser can select one of the three options by manipulating the fourdirectional buttons to select one of the three options and then pressingthe SET button. The process advances to step S302 once the systemcontrol unit 50 has displayed the developing method selection screen.

In step S302, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not theSET button has been pressed with “develop using image capturingsettings” selected in the developing method selection screen. In thecase where the SET button has been pressed with “develop using imagecapturing settings” selected, the process advances to step S303. Whensuch is not the case, however, the process advances to step S307.

In step S303, the system control unit 50 displays, in the display unit28, a confirmation screen including a confirmation message reading“develop and save?” along with options reading “yes” and “no”. Aninquiry as to whether it is okay to carry out the developing processusing the settings from when the image was captured (in other words, theparameters recorded in the RAW image file) may be displayed in theconfirmation message.

In step S304, the system control unit 50 determines whether “yes”,instructing the image to be saved, or “no”, has been selected from theoptions displayed in the confirmation screen. In the case where “yes”has been selected, the process advances to step S305, whereas in thecase where “no” has been selected, the process returns to step S302.

In step S305, the system control unit 50 uses the image processing unit24 to carry out a developing process using the settings from when theimage was captured (in other words, the parameters recorded in the RAWimage file). The system control unit 50 carries out JPEG compression onYUV data generated as a result of the RAW developing, and records theresulting file as a JPEG image file in the recording medium 200. TheJPEG image file recorded here has basically the same image quality asthe display JPEG in the RAW image file serving as the basis of thedeveloping.

In step S306, the system control unit 50 displays a confirmation messageinquiring whether another image is to be developed, and determineswhether or not an operation instructing another image to be developedhas been made. In the case where an operation instructing another imageto be developed has been made, the process returns to step S301.However, when such is not the case, the RAW developing processillustrated in the flowchart ends, and the system control unit 50returns the display unit 28 to the menu screen.

In step S307, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not theSET button has been pressed with “develop using custom settings”selected in the developing method selection screen. In the case wherethe SET button has been pressed with “develop using custom settings”selected, the process advances to step S308. When such is not the case,however, the process advances to step S309.

In step S308, the system control unit 50 carries out a parameterchanging process. The parameter changing process will be described indetail later using FIGS. 4A and 4B.

In step S309, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not theSET button has been pressed with “cancel” selected in the developingmethod selection screen. In the case where the SET button has beenpressed with “cancel” selected, the RAW developing process illustratedin the flowchart ends, and the system control unit 50 returns thedisplay unit 28 to the menu screen. When such is not the case, theprocess returns to step S302, where the system control unit 50 stands byfor a selection operation from the user in the developing methodselection screen.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating the parameter changingprocess (step S308) carried out by the digital camera 100. This processis the specific processing carried out in step S308 of FIG. 3, mentionedabove. This processing is realized by the system control unit 50 loadinga program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory52 and executing that program.

In step S401, the system control unit 50 uses the image processing unit24 to carry out a developing process, on the RAW image selected in stepS301 of FIG. 3, using the settings from when the image was captured (inother words, the parameters recorded in the RAW image file). A developedimage is generated as a result. The system control unit 50 also storesparameters obtained from the RAW image file (that is, the parametersused in the developing process) in the system memory 52.

In step S402, the system control unit 50 displays, in the display unit28, a parameter adjustment screen including the developed image and aplurality of display items for adjusting the parameters. FIG. 6Aillustrates an example of the parameter adjustment screen. Display items601 to 604 for adjusting various parameters, a save icon 605, a compareicon 606 a, and so on are displayed superimposed over a developed image610 a. The display item 601 is an icon for adjusting noise reduction,which is one of the parameters. The display item 602 is an icon foradjusting brightness, which is one of the parameters. The display item603 is an icon for adjusting a number of recorded pixels (image size),which is one of the parameters (a first parameter). The display item 604is an icon for adjusting white balance (WB), which is one of theparameters (a second parameter). The display items also indicate currentsetting values. By manipulating the controller wheel 73 included in theoperation unit 70 while one of the display items is selected by a cursor600, the user can change the parameter corresponding to the selecteddisplay item. Additionally, by pressing the SET button while one of thedisplay items is selected by the cursor 600, the user can cause a screenfor changing the parameter corresponding to the selected display item tobe displayed, and can then change the parameter by manipulating theoperation unit 70 in that state. The compare icon 606 a is a displayitem for comparing pre- and post-adjustment images. In an initial state,the compare icon 606 a is grayed out to indicate that the icon isinactive, and becomes active in the case where a parameter aside fromthe number of recorded pixels has been changed.

In step S403, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not thedisplay item 604 has been selected by the cursor 600 and an operationfor changing the WB has been made. In the case where an operation forchanging the WB has been made, the process advances to step S404.However, when such is not the case, the process advances to step S405.

In step S404, the system control unit 50 updates the WB setting value,in the parameters stored in the system memory 52, to the changed WBsetting value. Then, in step S409, the system control unit 50 developsthe RAW image selected in step S301 of FIG. 3 on the basis of theparameters stored in the system memory 52 (including the changed WBsetting value). In step S410, the system control unit 50 displays theimage obtained from the developing carried out in step S409. Forexample, in the case where an operation for changing the WB has beenmade in the state illustrated in FIG. 6A, the display unit 28 is changedto the display state illustrated in FIG. 6B. In FIG. 6B, the displayitem 604 indicates the changed WB setting value (in this example, thevalue is changed from “auto WB (AWB)” in FIG. 6A to “incandescent”). Animage 610 b displayed as illustrated in FIG. 6B is a developed imagecorresponding to the result of changing the WB setting to “incandescent”and developing the image. Furthermore, the compare icon 606 a isactivated as a result of the process of step S412, which will bementioned later, and is thus changed to a compare icon 606 b.

In step S405, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not thedisplay item 603 has been selected by the cursor 600 and an operationfor changing the number of recorded pixels has been made. In the casewhere an operation for changing the number of recorded pixels has beenmade, the process advances to step S406. However, when such is not thecase, the process advances to step S407.

In step S406, the system control unit 50 updates the number of recordedpixels, in the parameters stored in the system memory 52, to the changednumber of recorded pixels. Then, in step S409, the system control unit50 develops the RAW image selected in step S301 of FIG. 3 on the basisof the parameters stored in the system memory 52 (including the changednumber of recorded pixels). In step S410, the system control unit 50displays the image obtained from the developing carried out in stepS409. For example, in the case where an operation for changing thenumber of recorded pixels has been made in the state illustrated in FIG.6B, the display unit 28 is changed to the display state illustrated inFIG. 6C. In FIG. 6C, the display item 603 indicates the changed numberof recorded pixels. In the present embodiment, in the case where theaspect ratio is 3:2, L corresponds to 4500×3000 pixels, M1 correspondsto 3000×2000 pixels, M2 corresponds to 2400×1600 pixels, S1 correspondsto 1580×1080 pixels, and S2 corresponds to 720×480 pixels. Even withother aspect ratios, L, M1, M2, S1, and S2 are assumed to have pixelnumbers similar to those mentioned here. In the example illustrated inFIG. 6C, the number of recorded pixels is changed from L, namely4500×3000 pixels, in FIG. 6B, to S1, namely 1580×1080 pixels.Additionally, the image 610 b displayed as illustrated in FIG. 6C is adeveloped image corresponding to the result of changing the setting forthe number of recorded pixels to S1, namely 1580×1080 pixels, anddeveloping the image.

In step S407, the system control unit 50 determines whether or notanother display item has been selected by the cursor 600 and anoperation for changing another parameter has been made. In the casewhere an operation for changing another parameter has been made, theprocess advances to step S408. However, when such is not the case, theprocess advances to step S413.

In step S408, the system control unit 50 updates the changed parameter,in the parameters stored in the system memory 52, to the changed settingvalue. Then, in step S409, the system control unit 50 develops the RAWimage selected in step S301 of FIG. 3 on the basis of the parametersstored in the system memory 52 (including the changed parameter). Instep S410, the system control unit 50 displays the image obtained fromthe developing carried out in step S409. At this time, the systemcontrol unit 50 changes the display item to a display state indicatingthe changed parameter. The user can therefore confirm the result of theadjustment.

In step S411, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not aparameter aside from the number of recorded pixels has been changed froman initial value (the parameter used when capturing the image, appliedin step S401). In the case where a parameter aside from the number ofrecorded pixels has been changed from the initial value, the processadvances to step S412. However, when such is not the case (in otherwords, in the case where only the number of recorded pixels has beenchanged), the process returns to step S403.

In step S412, the system control unit 50 changes the display state ofthe compare icon displayed in the parameter adjustment screen to adisplay state indicating that the icon is active. As a result, thecompare icon 606 a that was grayed out as indicated in FIG. 6A ischanged to the compare icon 606 b as indicated in FIG. 6B, which is adisplay state indicating that the icon is active.

Meanwhile, in step S413, the system control unit 50 determines whetheror not there has been an operation for enlarging/reducing the image. Theenlarging/reducing operation can be carried out by manipulating anenlarge button or a reduce button included in the operation unit 70, orby making a pinch operation on a touch panel provided integrally withthe display unit 28. “Pinch operation” refers to an operation in whichthe touch panel is touched at two points simultaneously, and the pointsare then distanced from each other (pinch-out, resulting in anenlargement operation) or are brought closer to each other (pinch-in,resulting in a reduction operation).

In step S414, the system control unit 50 enlarges or reduces thedeveloped image displayed in the parameter adjustment screen inaccordance with the enlargement/reduction operation accepted in stepS413.

In step S415, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not acomparison instruction operation has been made by pressing an INFObutton included in the operation unit 70 or by touching the compareicons 606 a and 606 b. In the case where a comparison instructionoperation has been made, the process advances to step S416. However,when such is not the case, the process advances to step S418.

In step S416, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not thecompare icon is active (in other words, whether or not the compare icon606 b is displayed). In the case where the compare icon is active, theprocess advances to step S417. However, when such is not the case (inother words, in the case where the compare icon 606 a, which isdisplayed in the state indicating that the icon is inactive, isdisplayed), the process advances to step S418.

In step S417, the system control unit 50 carries out a comparisonprocess for comparing the images from before and after the parameteradjustment carried out in the parameter changing process. The comparisonprocess will be described in detail later using FIG. 5.

In step S418, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not asave instruction operation has been made by touching the save icon 605,which is used to instruct an image to be saved, or by selecting the saveicon 605 with the cursor 600 and pressing the SET button. In the casewhere a save instruction operation has been made, the process advancesto step S419. However, when such is not the case, the process advancesto step S423.

In step S419, the system control unit 50 displays, in the display unit28, the confirmation screen including a confirmation message reading“develop and save?” along with options reading “yes” and “no”.

In step S420, the system control unit 50 determines whether “yes”,instructing the image to be saved, or “no”, has been selected from theoptions displayed in the confirmation screen. In the case where “yes”has been selected, the process advances to step S421, whereas in thecase where “no” has been selected, the process advances to step S423.

In step S421, the system control unit 50 uses the image processing unit24 to carry out a developing process on the selected RAW image, byapplying the parameters stored in the system memory 52 and adjusted inthe parameter changing process. This developing process is a finaldeveloping, rather than the developing process used for preview purposescarried out in step S409. The system control unit 50 carries out JPEGcompression on YUV data generated as a result of the RAW developing, andrecords the resulting file as a JPEG image file in the recording medium200. The JPEG file recorded here reflects the adjustments made to thevarious parameters in the parameter changing process, and thus basicallyhas different image quality from the display JPEG of the RAW image fileserving as the basis of the developing.

In step S422, the system control unit 50 displays a confirmation messageinquiring whether another image is to be developed, and determineswhether or not an operation instructing another image to be developedhas been made. In the case where an operation instructing another imageto be developed has been made, the process returns to step S301.However, when such is not the case, the RAW developing process (FIG. 3)including the parameter changing process (FIGS. 4A and 4B) ends, and thesystem control unit 50 returns the display unit 28 to the menu screen.

In step S423, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not anoperating member specifying a return operation included in the operationunit 70 (the menu button, for example) has been pressed. In the casewhere the operating member specifying a return operation has beenpressed, the process returns to step S302 in FIG. 3. However, when suchis not the case, the process returns to step S402. In the case where theprocess returns to step S302 of FIG. 3 from step S423, the systemcontrol unit 50 once again displays the developing method selectionscreen.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the comparison process (step S417)carried out by the digital camera 100. This processing is realized bythe system control unit 50 loading a program recorded in thenon-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing thatprogram. The comparison process will be described using FIGS. 5 and 6Cto 6G.

In step S501, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not theimage displayed in the display unit 28 is a post-parameter change image.The process transits to step S501 for the first time in response to thecompare icon 606 b being pressed by the user immediately before, andthus the post-parameter change image is displayed. In the case where thedisplayed image is the post-parameter change image, the process advancesto step S502. However, in the case where the displayed image is apre-parameter change image (in other words, in the case where the imageis to be developed using the parameters set when the image wascaptured), the process advances to step S505.

In step S502, the system control unit 50 generates a preview imagecorresponding to the post-parameter change image (a first image) bydeveloping the RAW image (the original image) using the changedparameters. In step S503, the system control unit 50 displays thepreview image in the display unit 28. In step S504, the system controlunit 50 displays an icon group, indicating the parameters that can beadjusted by the user in the parameter changing process, superimposedover the preview image displayed in step S503. As a result, thepost-parameter change image is displayed in the comparison screen. FIG.6D is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of thepost-parameter change image in the comparison screen. FIG. 6D is anexample of a display in the case where the comparison instructionoperation has been made in the display state illustrated in FIG. 6C. Theimage 610 b is an image developed according to the changed parameters.Parameters that have been changed from their initial settings aredisplayed in a parameter group 620 in an identifiable manner (in orange,for example). In the example illustrated in FIG. 6D, the display itemindicating the number of recorded pixels and the display item indicatingthe WB setting value are displayed using a different color from theother display items, and can therefore be understood as having beenchanged from their initial settings.

In step S505, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not thenumber of recorded pixels, in the various parameters, has been changedfrom the setting used when the image was captured. In the case where thenumber of recorded pixels has been changed, the process advances to stepS506. However, when such is not the case, the process advances to stepS507.

In step S506, the system control unit 50 carries out the developingprocess using the pre-change parameters (the parameters used when theimage was captured), but for the number of recorded pixels, uses thepost-change number of recorded pixels in the developing process. Apreview image corresponding to the pre-parameter change image (a secondimage) is generated as a result.

In step S507, the system control unit 50 carries out the developingprocess using the pre-change parameters (the parameters used when theimage was captured), and generates a preview image corresponding to thepre-parameter change image.

In step S508, the system control unit 50 displays the preview imagegenerated in step S506 or step S507 in the display unit 28. In stepS509, the system control unit 50 displays an icon group, indicating theparameters that can be adjusted by the user in the parameter changingprocess, in the same manner as in step S504. FIG. 6E is a diagramillustrating an example of the display of the pre-parameter change imagein the comparison screen. FIG. 6E is an example of a display in the casewhere a switching operation (described later) has been made in thedisplay state illustrated in FIG. 6D. An image 610 a′ is a developedimage obtained by carrying out the developing process on the RAW imageusing the post-change setting value for the number of recorded pixels(S1, namely 1580×1080 pixels) and the pre-change setting values for theother parameters. Instead of the parameters used to generate the image610 a′, the parameters used when the image was captured are displayed inthe parameter group 620. Accordingly, the display item corresponding tothe number of recorded pixels indicates “L” rather than “S1”.Additionally, unlike FIG. 6D, there are no parameters that have beenchanged from their initial settings in the display items, and thus aprocess for displaying changed parameters in an identifiable manner isnot carried out. Note that in the comparison screen, the parameter ofthe number of recorded pixels (S1) actually used in the developing forobtaining the image 610 a′ differs from the setting used when the imagewas captured (L) displayed in the parameter group 620. Accordingly, theparameter of the number of recorded pixels may be omitted from thedisplay in the parameter group 620 (that is, may be hidden) in order toreduce the likelihood of the user mistakenly thinking that the displayedimage 610 a′ has been developed using the settings used when the imagewas captured (L).

The image 610 b illustrated in FIG. 6D and the image 610 a′ illustratedin FIG. 6E, which are displayed in the comparison screen, are imagesdeveloped with the same conditions for the number of recorded pixels,but after and before the other parameters have been changed,respectively. As such, differences in the number of recorded pixels(image size) have no effect on differences (changes) in the imagequality of the image 610 b and the image 610 a′ being compared.Accordingly, the user can accurately confirm changes in the imagequality produced by adjusting the color processing parameters and thelike, without any effects caused by differences in the number ofrecorded pixels. This effect becomes more noticeable the more the imageis enlarged, which will be described later.

In step S510, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not therehas been an operation for enlarging/reducing the image. The operationfor enlarging/reducing the image is the same as that described earlierwith reference to step S413. In the case where an operation forenlarging/reducing the image has been made, the process advances to stepS511. However, when such is not the case, the process advances to stepS512.

In step S511, the system control unit 50 enlarges or reduces thedeveloped image displayed in the comparison screen in accordance withthe enlargement/reduction operation accepted in step S510. FIG. 6Fillustrates an example of the display enlarged from the stateillustrated in FIG. 6D. An area displayed in an enlarged manner (anenlarged area) can be changed to any position desired by the user bymanipulating the four directional keys included in the operation unit 70or by making a touch operation. FIG. 6G, meanwhile, illustrates anexample of the display in the case where a switching operation,described later with reference to step S512, has been made from thestate illustrated in FIG. 6F. As indicated by the drawings, in the casewhere the switching operation is made while the comparison screen is inthe enlarged display, the same area of the enlarged/reduced image, atthe same display magnification, is displayed before and after the switchis carried out.

In step S512, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not anoperation for switching between the pre-parameter change image (thesettings used when the image was captured) and the post-parameter changeimage has been made by the user. The switching operation can be carriedout by, for example, pressing the SET button included in the operationunit 70, touching a display item indicating “post-change” or “imagecapture settings” at the bottom-left of the comparison screen, or thelike. In the case where the switching operation has been made, theprocess returns to step S501. However, when such is not the case, theprocess advances to step S513.

In step S513, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not toend the comparison process. In the case were the comparison process isnot to be ended, the process returns to S510. However, in the case werethe comparison process is to be ended (for example, in the case wherethe user has pressed the return button or the like), the process returnsto step S418 in FIG. 4B.

Note that in FIG. 5, a step for determining whether or not the image isdisplayed in an enlarged manner at greater than or equal to apredetermined magnification may be provided immediately after adetermination of “yes” in step S505. The “predetermined magnification”is, for example, the actual pixel size (that is, a state in which asingle recorded pixel in the image is displayed in a singlecorresponding pixel of the display unit 28). In this additional step, inthe case where the image is displayed in an enlarged manner at greaterthan or equal to the predetermined magnification, the process advancesto step S506. However, when such is not the case, the process advancesto step S507. To rephrase, in the case where the display magnificationhas been set to less than a threshold, the system control unit 50 usesthe pre-change parameters for the number of recorded pixels as well whengenerating a pre-parameter change preview image (a third image).

Here, additional descriptions of a reason why it is difficult to confirmthe effect of changing the WB setting value on the image quality in thecase where both the WB setting value and the number of recorded pixelshave been changed will be given with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. Thisproblem is particularly marked when confirming an image developed at theactual pixel size, and thus a case where the image is displayed at theactual pixel size in the comparison screen, as indicated by an image 701in FIG. 7A, will be described here as an example. Looking at the area ofa person's eye in the image 701 in detail at the pixel level, the areacan be expressed by a color A and a color B, as indicated by a pixelgroup 702 (although in reality it is unnatural to express a person's eyeusing only two colors, such a situation is described here for the sakeof simplicity). Focusing on a pixel pair 7001 in which the color A andthe color B are adjacent to each other, a case where the developingprocess is carried out having specified desired parameters for that partwill be described using FIG. 7B.

Here, it is assumed that the parameters used when the image to bedeveloped was captured are a number of recorded pixels of “L” and a WBsetting value of “auto WB (AWB)”, and that the parameters changed by theuser are a number of recorded pixels of “S1” and a WB setting value of“incandescent”, as an example. When the pixel pair 7001 are developed byapplying the post-change parameters, a color D is generated, asindicated by a pixel 7022. This color D is produced by a thinningprocess resulting from the process for resizing to the S1 size, and by achange in the color caused by the white balance. On the other hand, thethinning process resulting from the process for resizing to the S1 sizealone will cause the color to change, and in such a case, a color C isproduced, as indicated by a pixel 7021.

Here, to confirm the change in the color caused by the color adjustment(the change in the WB setting value), it is desirable to compare thepixel 7021 and the pixel 7022 (a comparison B) rather than comparing thepixel pair 7001 and the pixel 7022 (a comparison A). Accordingly, thesystem control unit 50 generates the preview image by carrying out thedeveloping process using the WB setting value used when the image wascaptured but using the post-change setting value for the number ofrecorded pixels, on the pre-parameter change image (see step S506). Thesystem control unit 50 then displays the preview image generated in thismanner in the display unit 28 (see step S508). Additionally, the systemcontrol unit 50 switches the displayed image between the pre- andpost-parameter change images in response to the switching operation.Doing so makes it easy for the user to judge whether a color change isproduced by the change in the number of recorded pixels, or is producedby the change in the WB setting value. As a result, areas where thedeveloping conditions (parameters) have changed become clear, making itpossible for the user to carry out the developing process efficiently.

Meanwhile, in the case where a pre-parameter change preview image 811 isdisplayed in the comparison screen, the display item for the number ofrecorded pixels may display “S1” indicating the number of recordedpixels actually employed, as indicated in FIG. 8A (see reference numeral813). By doing so, the user can understand that the actual number ofrecorded pixels is being used in the comparison (see preview images 811and 812), which makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of usermisunderstandings.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the icon for the number ofrecorded pixels may be hidden (see reference numerals 823 and 824) forboth the pre- and post-parameter change images (see preview images 821and 822). In the case where the user wishes to see the change in colorproduced by the color adjustment, it is desirable to ensure that theuser focuses on the change in the WB setting value, and displaying theinformation of the number of recorded pixels in the comparison screenmay have the converse effect of causing user misunderstandings. Hidingthe icon of the number of recorded pixels makes it possible to suppressthis problem.

According to the present embodiment as described thus far, whengenerating the pre-parameter change preview image, the digital camera100 develops the RAW image using the post-change parameter for thenumber of recorded pixels. This makes it easy for the user to judgewhether a change in the image quality produced by changing parameters iscaused by a change in the number of recorded pixels or a change inanother parameter (the WB setting value, for example).

Although the WB setting value is primarily discussed as the parameterchanged aside from the number of recorded pixels in the foregoingdescriptions, the same effects can be obtained in the case where anotherparameter (for example, the brightness indicated by the display item 602in FIG. 6A) has been changed.

Additionally, although the foregoing describes the original image as aRAW image and the image processing using the parameters as a developingprocess, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The same effectscan be obtained even in the case where, for example, the original imageis a developed JPEG image, and image processing for changing the numberof pixels and the brightness is carried out on that JPEG image.

Additionally, although the foregoing describes displaying the pre- andpost-parameter change preview images in an alternating manner, thepresent embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the systemcontrol unit 50 may display the pre- and post-parameter change previewimages in the display unit 28 simultaneously.

Note that the various types of control described above as beingperformed by the system control unit 50 may be carried out by a singlepiece of hardware, or the control of the apparatus as a whole may becarried out by dividing the processing up among multiple pieces ofhardware.

Although the foregoing has described preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the present invention is not intended to be limitedto the specific embodiments, and all variations that do not depart fromthe essential spirit of the invention are intended to be included in thescope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-describedembodiments are merely embodiments describing the present invention, andthe embodiments can be combined as appropriate as well.

Furthermore, although the foregoing embodiment describes an example inwhich the present invention is applied in the digital camera 100, thepresent invention is not limited to this example, and can be applied inany image processing apparatus that executes image processing accordingto image processing parameters. In other words, the present inventioncan also be applied in personal computers, PDAs, mobile telephoneterminals, portable image viewers, printer apparatuses includingdisplays, digital photo frames, and the like. The present invention canfurthermore be applied in music players, game consoles, e-book readers,tablet terminals, smartphones, projector devices, home electronicdevices and in-vehicle devices that include displays, and so on.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a computerof a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executableinstructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium(which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one ormore of the above-described embodiments and/or that includes one or morecircuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) forperforming the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiments, and by a method performed by the computer of the system orapparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computerexecutable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functionsof one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or controlling theone or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiments. The computer may comprise one or moreprocessors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit(MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separateprocessors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions.The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer,for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage mediummay include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-accessmemory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributedcomputing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digitalversatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, amemory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2016-154022, filed Aug. 4, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus comprising one ormore processors and a memory storing a program which, when executed bythe one or more processors, causes the image processing apparatus tofunction as units comprising: a changing unit configured to change aparameter relating to image processing on an original image; and adisplay control unit configured to carry out control to generate a firstimage by executing first image processing on the original image based onthe changed parameter by the changing unit and to display the firstimage as an image corresponding to the changed parameter, and to carryout control to generate a second image by executing second imageprocessing on the original image based on the parameter before thechange by the changing unit and to display the second image as an imagecorresponding to the parameter before the change, wherein in a casewhere a predetermined parameter for changing a number of pixels ischanged by the changing unit, the display control unit carries outcontrol to generate the second image by (i) executing processing tochange a number of pixels on the original image based on thepredetermined parameter changed by the changing unit and (ii) executingthe second image processing, and to display the second image as an imagecorresponding to the parameter before the change.
 2. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unitchanges the parameter relating to the image processing on the originalimage on the basis of an operation from a user.
 3. The image processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter relating to theimage processing includes a plurality of types of parameters, andwherein the predetermined parameter is a parameter for resizingprocessing.
 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the display control unit carries out control such thatinformation indicating the parameter before the change by the changingunit is displayed along with the second image.
 5. The image processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit carriesout control such that information indicating the changed parameter bythe changing unit is displayed along with the second image.
 6. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display controlunit carries out control such that information indicating the changedparameter is displayed along with the first image.
 7. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display controlunit carries out control such that the first image and the second imageare displayed in an alternating manner.
 8. The image processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit carriesout control such that the first image and the second image are displayedsimultaneously.
 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the program, when executed by the one or more processors, causesthe image processing apparatus to further function as a determining unitconfigured to determine a display magnification of the first image andthe second image, wherein the image processing unit generates a thirdimage by carrying out the image processing on the original image inaccordance with the parameter before the change, and wherein in the casewhere the display magnification is less than a threshold, the displaycontrol unit carries out control such that the third image is displayedat the display magnification instead of the second image.
 10. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the original image isa RAW image.
 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10,wherein the image processing is developing processing.
 12. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the parameter beforethe change by the changing unit is a parameter obtained from an imagefile including the RAW image.
 13. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein the parameter before the change by thechanging unit is a parameter applied in developing carried out when theRAW image is captured.
 14. The image processing apparatus according toclaim 10, further comprising: an image capturing unit, wherein the RAWimage is an image captured by the image capturing unit.
 15. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program furthercauses the image processing apparatus to function as a recording controlunit configured to, in response to a user instruction to save an imageto which a change is applied, carry out control such that an imagegenerated by executing image processing on the original image inaccordance with the changed parameter is recorded into a recordingmedium as an image file.
 16. The image processing apparatus according toclaim 15, wherein, in response to a user instruction to save an imagebased on a predetermined parameter, the recording control unit carriesout control such that an image generated by executing image processingon the original image in accordance with the parameter before the changeis recorded in the recording medium as an image file.
 17. An imageprocessing method comprising: changing a parameter relating to imageprocessing on an original image; and carrying out control to generate afirst image by executing first image processing on the original imagebased on the changed parameter and to display the first image as animage corresponding to the changed parameter, and carrying out controlto generate a second image by executing second image processing on theoriginal image based on the parameter before the change and to displaythe second image as an image corresponding to the parameter before thechange, wherein in a case where a predetermined parameter for changing anumber of pixels is changed, the second image is generated by (i)executing processing to change a number of pixels on the original imagebased on the changed predetermined parameter and (ii) executing thesecond image processing, and the second image is displayed as an imagecorresponding to the parameter before the change.
 18. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium which stores a program for causing acomputer to execute an image processing method comprising: changing aparameter relating to image processing on an original image; andcarrying out control to generate a first image by executing first imageprocessing on the original image based on the changed parameter and todisplay the first image as an image corresponding to the changedparameter, and carrying out control to generate a second image byexecuting second image processing on the original image based on theparameter before the change and to display the second image as an imagecorresponding to the parameter before the change, wherein in a casewhere a predetermined parameter for changing a number of pixels ischanged, the second image is generated by (i) executing processing tochange a number of pixels on the original image based on the changedpredetermined parameter and (ii) executing the second image processing,and the second image is displayed as an image corresponding to theparameter before the change.